Beer blog: Raising a glass to an unsung hero

I wasn’t able to swing by Leon Pub on Tuesday. I wish had. An unsung hero of the craft beer revolution was given a proper send-off. Let me explain:

For the past three years, until his death on November 6, Jonny Williams was the service tech for Tap Technology who stopped by Leon Pub at least once a week to do the behind-the-scenes work that ensured the rest of us were enjoying our pints, one at a time.

What did he do and how important was it really, you ask.

The answer: critical.

Williams and others like him are responsible for keeping the tap lines clean and free of contamination. They are to good beer what a fine greenskeeper is to a good golf course.

When it comes to beer, cleanliness is next to, well, perfection. Let a cluster of yeast ferment in the vinyl line connecting the keg to the tap and, bingo, next thing you know the beer tastes off. Off as in not good.

Ever visit a brewpub and wondered which guy is the brewer? Look for the man wearing wader boots, because he has just been cleaning his equipment – or is about to resume cleaning. Craft brewers spend at least as much time scrubbing and sanitizing as they do making beer.

Which brings me back to Jonny Williams and the fine farewell he received Tuesday at Leon Pub. Bill Hasselbeck, the pub’s longtime owner, rounded up some of the regulars for “pizza, corn chips, and yes cigarettes.”

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About The Author

I'm a senior writer at the Tallahassee Democrat. I primarily write about higher education, but this blog usually focuses on beer or wine or the occasional spirit. I'm a former home brewer, and I have been a judge at state and local beer competitions.